The Effects of Seasonal Wetland Drawdowns on Water Quality and Biodiversity
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Author
Simmons, Ashley
Date
2022
Degree
Abstract
Wetlands remain one of the most valuable ecosystems in the world.
They play an integral role in maintaining the productivity and diversity of
ecosystems, climate regulation, water quality enhancement, erosion and flood
control, maintenance of streamflow, carbon storage, habitats for a wide array
of species, and the welfare of humans. Wetlands worldwide are experiencing
increased loss and degradation in response to human activities, holding
concerns for the health of both humans and the environment. Therefore,
efficient management is urgent and time-critical for wetland protection. An
important management tool used are artificial drawdowns. Natural drawdowns
do not occur in lentic wetlands. To replicate these fluctuations of water, wetland
property managers will do artificial drawdowns on specific wetland sites at
different times throughout the year to control water levels. The effects of
seasonal drawdowns on the water quality and macroinvertebrate biodiversity
of wetlands at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area were assessed by comparing
six wetland units-three that experienced a fall drawdown and three that did
not experience drawdowns-pre-drawdown and post-drawdown season, by
tracking both the Water Quality Index (WQI) and biodiversity index over the
course of eight weeks. Results revealed that drawdowns seem to have no
significant effect on water quality and biodiversity. This research is useful in
centralizing wetland property managers' understanding of the effects of artificial
seasonal drawdown water management, as well as providing data on water
quality and macroinvertebrate biodiversity.